LEAH REES AND KAYLA THOMAS
On 1 May, South Africa entered level 4 of the COVID-19 lockdown regulations and some residents wished to return to private accommodation residences in preparation for online learning on 4 May. On 4 May, following tweets from residents of Respublica accommodations (Respublica) claiming they were not being allowed to return to their residences, #BoycottRespublica began trending on Twitter, with the predominant complaint being that Respublica is allegedly the only private accommodation residence not allowing residents to return.
#BoycottRespublica started trending with tweets alleging that Respublica, an accredited private accommodation residence, are not permitting residents to return to their private residences. Further complaints raised were that Respublica is also not allowing residents to collect academic materials such as textbooks, notes or laptops, but still requiring residents to pay the full rental amount due for April and May. Residents also tweeted that Respublica had entered their rooms without consent and taken perishable goods. Following these complaints, a petition, #BoycottRespublica, started to circulate on Twitter and has since received over 900 signatures
Returning to place of residence
Some residents have aired their grievances, stating that they are unable to learn online as they do not have access to their rooms and academic materials. Residents who wished to return to Respublica residences under the permitted travel regulations of level 4 of the National lockdown, were told in an email on 4 May that unless residents fell under the terms of returning students defined by the University of Pretoria for UP residences, residents “may not reoccupy [their] residence”. Respublica stated in the email that this was “not […] within the decision making powers of Respublica”, but rather an instruction from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Respublica also told PDBY that while they are “aware that many [residents] may want to return”, the decision against residents returning to their residences is in line with “the explicit directive of [the] DHET” and that “universities have prohibited students returning to on-campus residences and specifically requested private providers to align their policies”. Respublica also specified that residents permitted to return as part of an identified cohort need written permission by the university.
“Respublica is allegedly the only private accommodation residence not allowing residents to return.“
Rikus Delport, the director of institutional advancement at UP, said that as Respublica is leased by UP, and that the same rules as with other UP residences apply, namely that students may only return with written permission from the university. Delport also added that if a private accommodation residence is accredited with UP, the same rules apply as to UP residences. However, Delport also explained that “some of the residences also rent space privately to students and the university cannot prevent them from allowing students back”.
Other accredited private accommodation residences have allowed residents to return under the regulations of level 4 – such as CampusKey, The Fields, TMM Lofts and Hatfield Studios, under varying conditions. In an email sent to residents by Hatfield Studios, residents were told that they are allowed to return to their residence under level 4 regulations, if they “consider [their residence] to be [their] only place of residence” or they need to return “in order to return to [their] place of work”. Similarly, CampusKey permitted residents to return to their residence “should it be their primary residence” during the permitted travel period before 7 May. Jeffrey Wapnick, on behalf of The Fields, told PDBY that The Fields is allowing tenants to return as The Fields is “a private accommodation provider” and thus “did not have to obtain permission from the university”. Delport explained that “the university cannot give any student that [they] place at these [private] residences permission to go back as the same rules apply as in the case of UP residences”. Studios@Burnett, South Point, Flower’s Edge and Festival’s Edge could not be reached or did not issue a comment.
Collecting belongings
In addition to this, Respublica has also prohibited residents from collecting their belongings from their residences. Lize Nel, on behalf of CampusKey, explained that residents have been allowed to collect academic materials, provided they “adhere to the national rules and regulations”, and allow residents “one hour to collect their belongings and must adhere to the COVID-19 community guidelines”. Similarly, Wapnick explains that The Fields has allowed residents to collect their belongings and adds that “it would be unlawful not to allow [residents] access to their units”. However, Respublica has prohibited the collection of academic material or personal belongings to avoid “[putting] [their] current community at risk” and to explore options that are “aligned to university and health policies”.
“Some residents have aired their grievances, stating that they are unable to learn online as they do not have access to their rooms and academic materials.“
Removal of perishable items
In an email sent out by Respublica management on 25 March, it was stated that for “hygiene reasons, [they] are forced to remove any perishables” from the fridges of residents’ apartments and that these perishable items would be donated. The perishables removed include; fruit, vegetables, dairy, cooked food, and meat. Residents were given 48 hours notice as of 25 March to remove these perishable items before donation. However, this email was sent out a week after campus had closed on 17 March, and after some residents may have left Respublica. The same email prohibited students from returning to Respublica in the 48 hours before lockdown began on 27 March, making it impossible for residents who had already left their apartments to collect any of their items. Busisiwe Mashinini, a Respublica resident, said that “it did not make sense […] and then [Respublica] goes ahead and takes food that you bought with your NSFAS allowance”. Mashinini added that this was “without [our] permission”. Respublica’s response to PDBY was that residents were requested to remove all perishable items before lockdown commenced. However, Respublica resident, Lauren Thabethe, explained that what “baffled us” was that “we were not allowed to go back to res before the lockdown” to collect any belongings.
Wi-fi
Residents have also come forward with certain complaints surrounding the deactivation of Wi-Fi at Respublica, if rent is not up to date. Respublica management has stated that “all students [whose] rental is paid enjoy free unlimited Wi-fi access throughout their stay”. Thabete explained that she expected to “go back to res in order to be prepared for [her] exams” as “the network coverage is very bad [at home]”. Commenting on behalf of The Fields, Wapnick explained that many residents returned under level 4 regulations as “they are able to continue with their online studies […] [with] Wi-Fi”. UP announced on 20 May that students with poor connectivity can apply for a data allocation of 20GB by updating their details on their student portals by 29 May.
“…it was stated that for ‘hygiene reasons, [they] are forced to remove any perishables’ from the fridges of residents’ apartments and that these perishable items would be donated“
Movement at Respublica
Residents were also facing movement restrictions beyond the regulations by level 4 of the lockdown, as they were only allowed to leave Respublica residences between the hours of 09:00 and 16:00. This restriction was imposed to ensure that “Respublica residences […] comply with national health regulations”, despite lockdown level 4 regulations stating that exercise is permissible between the hours of 06:00 and 09:00 and a curfew time of 20:00 (effective on 1 May). PDBY contacted Respublica about the restricted movement hours on 6 May and in a reply issued on 8 May, Respublica stated that residents are permitted to leave their apartments within the regulated hours. Movement restrictions for residents were amended to include the permitted movement regulations between 06:00 and 09:00 as of 9 May.
While Respublica was allegedly reactivating the biometric systems of their residences, Respublica said to PDBY that they will be “converting biometric readers […] to card readers” as part of their health protocols.
Rental fees
Despite residents being prohibited from reoccupying their residence, Respublica has continued to encourage residents to “keep their accomodation accounts up to date” and to pay on time over the lockdown period in a document sent out on 30 April, as well as in an SMS sent to residents on 27 April. Residents have claimed that these fees have remained unchanged, even if a resident is currently not occupying their apartment. Respublica has stated that they are continuing to engage in discussions with “the Private Student Housing Association (PSHA), DHET, USAF, and universities on a regular basis regarding rent relief for the rest of the academic year”. Respublica has said that clarity regarding rent relief options will be provided once Respublica “has a clearer understanding of the expected academic calendar” and can then agree on and finalise these options.
“Residents were also facing movement restrictions beyond the regulations by level 4 of the lockdown, as they were only allowed to leave Respublica residences between the hours of 09:00 and 16:00.“
The 30 April document also stated that residents should pay their outstanding rental amounts in order to retain a valid rental contract with Respublica. If residents fail to maintain their rental payments, their rental contracts with Respublica may be terminated once residents are allowed to reoccupy their apartments.
Other accredited private residences, TMM Lofts, The Fields and CampusKey, have stated that they are still requiring residents to pay accomodation fees, but that residents are not prohibited from moving back into their apartments, should it be their primary place of residence. CampusKey has also credited resident accounts by 40% if they are not in occupation of their room.
Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, announced on 23 May that up to 33% of students may return to campus and residences as parts of the country enter level 3 regulations. UP has not, as of 24 May, released any correspondence regarding how the Minister’s announcement will affect student return policies moving forward. Some residents of Respublica residences received group messages explaining that Respublica is “unpack[ing]” what the announcement entails and preparing their response. The message encouraged residents to “focus on strengthening academic and emotional support […] in the meantime […] wherever [they] are”, and that they are “glad that [residents] are now seeing that we have different levels” to restrictions.
Follow @PDBYMedia to stay up to date with #YourCampusNews and further developments to this story.
Visuals: Leah Rees
Kayla is the Editor of PDBY for 2020 and 2021. She joined the copy team in 2017, and became head layout editor in 2018 before starting her term as Editor. Kayla is obsessed with PDBY and is considering moving into the office to live with Pssst... forever. You can reach her by email.
Leah is a pale ... awkward ... asthmatic ginger.
She used to be Head of Layout (cries) before becoming Digital Manager in an effort to take over PDBY, an effort that has since failed (its all political). She has a keen eye for alignment, an intense love for tequila and chicken nuggets, and occasionally enjoys frollicking in the hills. To end off this bio she leaves this final nugget of wisdom "You just lost the game".